Electric power transmission and distribution-the process of moving electricity from where it is produced to where it is used-is an essential part of everyday life. The nation’s transmission and distribution systems, also known as the power grid, play a key role in keeping the lights on, heating and cooling homes, charging phones and electric vehicles, and keeping essential services going. We expect the power to always be there, but not having transmission infrastructure to move power from where it is available to where it is needed can cause problems for consumers across the country.
Let’s explore a few ways that a lack of transmission can harm consumers and how our work at the Department of Energy is helping address these challenges.
Public Release.